Investing in the Next Generation

“We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” — Psalm 78:4 (ESV)

Dear friends and supporters,

As autumn arrives and many churches begin preparing their budgets for 2027, I want to invite you to consider the lasting importance of Reformed missions in Europe. Although Europe was once the heartland of the Protestant Reformation, much of the continent is now marked by secularism, spiritual indifference, and a profound need for faithful, gospel-preaching churches. Here in Italy, the need for a strong, confessional Reformed witness remains especially great. Through Mission Milan, our vision is not simply to establish a congregation for today, but to help build a lasting foundation for tomorrow: churches where Christ is faithfully proclaimed, believers are discipled, future leaders are trained, and the riches of the Reformed faith are passed on to the next generation.

Ministry Updates from Mission Milan

Growing in Grace: Above all, we give thanks for God's blessing upon our congregation through the ordinary means of grace. The gospel is faithfully preached, the catechism is taught, disciples are made, and believers are growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Our midweek Bible study and men's and women's groups continue to thrive, while new regular attendees and visitors are joining us.

Making Room for the Next Generation: With several young families and small children now part of our congregation, we need additional classrooms for catechism instruction. We hope to begin construction before the end of the year. Please pray for this project as we seek to nurture the next generation in the faith.

Expanding the Reach of Ad Fontes: Our Ad Fontes podcast continues to reach listeners throughout Italy. In recent months, the number of listeners has increased by 65%, and we receive encouraging messages from new listeners almost every week.

Publishing Reformed Literature: Our Ad Fontes publishing ministry recently released its fourth title, Law and Gospel: Meditations on the Letter to the Galatians, by my colleague Rev. Gavino Fioretti. We are grateful for these opportunities to make sound Reformed theology accessible to Italian readers.

Building for the Future: I am serving on a committee with four other Reformed and Presbyterian missionaries to develop a church order for a future indigenous, confessional Reformed denomination in Italy. This is an important step toward establishing a self-governing denomination that can serve future generations.

Training Future Missionaries: We hope to welcome a summer intern from a Reformed seminary in the United States in 2027. This internship would provide valuable ministry experience while helping us discern whether the Lord may be preparing him for future missionary service and church planting in northern Italy, where the need for additional churches remains great.

Looking Ahead to 2027

These developments are just a few examples of how the Lord is blessing the work of Mission Milan and opening doors for the future. As we look toward 2027, we are deeply grateful for your faithful partnership in this work. By God's grace, we have seen our congregation grow, the development of indigenous leadership, and increasing opportunities to strengthen the Reformed witness throughout Italy.

Yet much remains to be done. Our prayer is that the seeds being planted today will bear fruit for generations to come, as new pastors are trained, churches are established, and the gospel continues to advance. Our long-term desire is to see mature, indigenous Reformed churches that can sustain their own ministries and carry the gospel forward for generations to come.

As your church considers its missions commitments for the coming year, would you prayerfully consider continuing or beginning your support of Mission Milan? Your investment is not merely in the work of today, but in the spiritual inheritance of generations yet to come. As Paul reminds us, our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

With gratitude in Christ,

Rev. Michael Brown

Mission Milan

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Making disciples of Christ in Milan is only possible with the faithful partnership of God’s people. If you want to get involved in the Great Commission in Italy, here are three ways you can help:

1. PRAY for the church in Milan (Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia) and for Pastor Mike and his family. Pray that the gospel will be proclaimed boldly, that people will come to know Christ, and that they will grow in their faith. Pray that more faithful churches will be planted in Italy.

2. SHARE the news about Mission Milan. Pass on this newsletter to others and tell them about the need in Italy. For more information, visit our website: missionmilan.org.

3. GIVE a donation of any amount. Your gift helps! You can give online at missionmilan.org. Or send a check to:


Escondido United Reformed Church
1864 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026

(Checks should be made out to Escondido United Reformed Church. Please indicate that the support is for Rev. Michael Brown as a missionary to Italy).